Monstera deliciosa variegata is a variegated form of the common houseplant otherwise known as the Swiss Cheese Plant because of its leaves. I was given a small plant which had been lovingly propagated by a friend in his home made but very efficient mist-propagation case. It survived a three day trip home by car and helicopter and then sulked for a little while in the greenhouse.

Eventually it started to grow and managed to root part of itself down the side of its pot so I divided it into two which I potted separately. The two plants are quite different in their variegation – one produces leaves that have large areas of cream/white on and the other one has leaves which are green marbled with white in a much more delicate fashion. Apparently Monstera deliciosa variegata produces a very wide range of variations in its variegations (that’s a bit of a tongue twister!).

In autumn 2011 the bigger plant decided to produce buds and, after a wait, flowers. They look not unlike a thick petalled dumpy aroid with a very thick central spathe in shades of greenish cream. Not showy but fascinating nevertheless.

I really need to pot them on but their roots have grown through the holes in the bases of their pots so I suspect I’ll have to cut the pots away from the rootballs in order to pot them on.